Introduction 

Imagine walking your dog through a forest. The soil nourishes the trees, and the diversity of species creates a rich and balanced ecosystem. This harmony mirrors the gut microbiome of a dog, where each tree represents a bacterial species. A diverse and balanced microbiome ensures resilience, allowing the system to recover from disruptions. However, when balance is lost, and one bacterial species overgrows, the gut environment destabilises, leading to a condition known as dysbiosis. 

Dysbiosis triggers inflammation in the gut lining, which, if untreated, can spread systemically, affecting the gastrointestinal system, skin, joints, cardiovascular health, energy levels, and even neurological functions. The gut microbiome does much more than digest food; it plays a vital role in overall health by producing cytokines, neurotransmitters, and hormones. 

Maintaining a rich and balanced gut microbiome is essential for canine well-being. BIOME9 is making this easier than ever with advanced microbiome testing designed to identify and address imbalances at their source.

GutDiscovery ® Microbiome Profiles and Insights 

BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® platform has analysed microbiome profiles from 1,000 dogs between March and November 2024, collecting approximately 40 billion bacterial sequences. Each faecal sample contained an average of six bacterial phyla, 12 classes, 17 orders, 37 families, 161 genera, and 1,543 species, showcasing the incredible diversity of the canine gut microbiome. 

Key Findings: 

• Healthy dogs exhibit greater microbial diversity, with the four most abundant bacterial species accounting for 50% of their microbiome. 

• Dogs with gastrointestinal (GI) unrest or skin irritation experience a significant loss in diversity, with the same four species dominating up to 75% of their microbiome. This imbalance reduces ecological space for beneficial probiotic species critical to overall health. 

Figure 1: Relative abundance profiles for 1,000 GutDiscovery ® microbiomes, generated using Oxford Nanopore 16S rRNA v1-9 sequencing and the Kraken2 reference database. Data were analysed and visualised using the R packages phyloseq and ggplot2.

Condition-Specific Microbial Differences 

A groundbreaking insight from this dataset is the statistically significant differences in specific bacterial species between dogs with GI conditions and those with skin irritation. While healthy dogs maintain a balance of species, those with conditions often experience either an overabundance or underrepresentation of key microbes. 

For example: 

• Dogs with GI conditions often display an overgrowth of particular bacterial species, contributing to symptoms such as diarrhoea or bloating. 

• Dogs with skin irritation show a reduction in beneficial microbes, exacerbating inflammatory responses. 

Understanding these differences helps veterinarians and pet owners target treatments more effectively, tailoring care to the specific needs of the animal.

Figure 4: Differential abundance analysis using a generalised linear model (GLM) based on the negative binomial distribution (P < 0.01) with Benjamini-Hochberg correction (FDR < 0.05). Normalisation was applied to correct for the overestimation of low-abundance species. Data were processed using the R packages DESeq2 and phyloseq.

Biome9 Testing: A Game-Changer for Veterinary Clinics 

Through our collaboration, VPG and BIOME9 offer cutting-edge microbiome testing kits designed for ease of use and maximum impact. These kits provide: 

• Comprehensive Analysis: Advanced sequencing technologies deliver actionable insights into microbial imbalances. 

• Convenience: Pet owners collect samples at home, eliminating the need for multiple clinic visits. 

• Tailored Recommendations: Reports include nutritional and supplement advice to help restore balance and improve overall health. 

By integrating BIOME9 testing into your practice, you can offer clients innovative solutions for managing common conditions such as GI unrest and skin irritation, while positioning your clinic as a leader in advanced diagnostics. 

Why Choose VPG and Biome9? 

1. Scientific Excellence: Powered by BIOME9’s state-of-the-art technology and supported by VPG’s trusted diagnostic network. 
2. Ease of Access: Order microbiome testing kits through VPG, streamlining the process for veterinary clinics. 
3. Client Engagement: Enhance trust and satisfaction by offering precise, science-backed insights that empower pet owners.
   

Conclusion 

BIOME9’s GutDiscovery® platform reveals the critical role of the gut microbiome in canine health. With clear distinctions in microbial composition between healthy dogs and those suffering from conditions like gastrointestinal unrest or skin irritation, this groundbreaking testing offers a transformative approach to understanding and addressing these challenges. 

By partnering with BIOME9, VPG is set to revolutionise how veterinarians tackle gut health, providing cutting edge tools to diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions more effectively. With microbiome testing kits now available through VPG, the future of veterinary diagnostics is within reach. 

Comprehensive Faecal Testing Tailored to Your Practice 

At VPG, we deliver comprehensive and often bespoke faecal testing solutions to meet both practice and pet parent needs. Our routine faecal testing is designed to detect common parasites and bacterial infections, all carried out by our team of extraordinary experts. 

Our services go beyond routine faecal flotation and filtration examinations. With antigen and PCR testing, we ensure the most accurate results, empowering you to deliver the best outcomes for your patients. 

No matter your faecal testing requirements, our team is here to help. Give us a call today to discuss your needs and discover how we can support your practice.